County slowly improving popular Mt. Morrison trail
Changes aimed at slowing erosion while maintaining rugged user experience
BY JANE REUTER
One of the Denver area’s most popular and challenging trails is getting some love from Je erson County Open Space.
Mt. Morrison’s South Ridge Trail, a victim of popularity and steep grades prime for erosion, is undergoing a years-long series of changes.
e latest Elk Creek Fire board meeting took another unique turn recently, when Chuck Newby voted against approving district contracts with the re chief and re ghters union, saying neither had received proper legal review. He also said Vice President Dominique Devaney had put “the district in jeopardy” by not taking timely action on Chief Jacob Ware’s contract.
e contract was reviewed in executive session in June . e board voted after the closed session to approve a pay increase for Ware to $150,000 a year, but it did not move forward with the contract then.
“We just overlooked it,” Pixley
ers love.
“With the amount of people coming here, we have to address it,” said Eric Fields, Je co trail team lead for the north region.
Mt. Morrison ascends more than 2,000 feet in less than two miles with a Class 2 rock scramble at the end, making it a favorite among those seeking a challenge or training for longer peak climbs.
Je co’s plans call for adding
about 1,500 feet of steps to the trail’s steep initial ascent in the next few years. e county has already invested $67,000 to add 80 steps — or gabion baskets — further up the trail. Another 60, built with rocks harvested from the trail, will be added this year. e baskets and future stairs are all designed to slow erosion on the increasingly busy route, while retaining most of the unre ned, arduous quality its us-
“It’s like a mini 14-er in three miles,” said Aaron Hurt, who hiked it March 31 with a weighted backpack as training for summer mountain climbing.
Mt. Morrison is an undesignated county trail likely created as a utility easement, with parts of it on Denver Mountain Parks, Je erson County and private land. But its uno cial status doesn’t keep people away.
“ ere’s a pretty clear-cut user group,” said Nathan McCarty, Je co trails specialist. “It’s people who are ready to get their sweat on. It’s not casual, sightseeing hikers.
“It spikes your heart right o the bat, and it never lets up,” Fields agreed.
Je co trail team lead Eric Fields, with trails specialist Nathan McCarty points to the ridge over which a proposed stone staircase will be built at the base of Mt. Morrison’s South Ridge Trail.
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
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The Typical Wood-Frame Home Which Has Dominated Subdivisions Since the 1990s May Soon Be History
Let’s say that the writing is on the wall. The kind of site-built wood-frame homes that have dominated new American subdivisions since about 1990 are getting too expensive to satisfy America’s needs in a time of severe housing shortage.
Several factors are at work which make that style of home construction soon to be obsolete.
Factor #1: Labor shortages, especially with immigrant labor being deported.
Factor #2: Wildfire vulnerability of wood-frame homes, as demonstrated in Boulder County and more recently in southern California.
just a few years ago, but is now becoming mainstream. Other builders have learned from Lennar’s experience and multiple companies have entered that space.
Factor #3: Climate change, which is spiking a demand for greater resiliency in home construction — not just from fire, but from high-wind events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Factor #4: Higher costs, aggravated no doubt by 25% tariffs on the Canadian lumber used in most new homes.
Having followed trade publications for the home construction and related industries, I am convinced that other technologies and techniques for home construction are about to go mainstream, making today’s wood-frame, onsite building process soon to be obsolete, or at least out of favor except for super expensive custom homes.
I also believe we will see more attention paid to the siting of new homes. It’s easy enough to site a home so that it benefits from solar gain, even if it is not solar-powered. Simply having big windows to the south with a wide overhang allowing solar gain from the low sun in the winter and shade from the high sun in the summer is a no-brainer, but it seems there has been a shortage of architectural brains in current and past siting of new homes. Similarly, having fewer windows on the north side of the house is simply smart “passive house” design.
Having an enclosed rather than open foyer (what’s called an “air lock”) is common sense too, and costs very little to implement.
That’s just the beginning of the changes I expect to see in new subdivisions. Lennar has already built a 3D printed subdivision in Texas (see picture). 3D printing of homes using concrete was a novelty (which I wrote about)
A Fast Company article in January 2023 proclaimed that “3D-printed houses are the suburbs of the future.”
The pictures at right are from that article. Here’s an excerpt: “Iowa City-based Alquist 3D, which specializes in reasonably priced automated construction in rural areas, has already started building Project Virginia, in which it will create 200 3D-printed homes (all variations on craftsman designs, also framed in layered concrete and topped with gabled wood-framed roofs) around the state, starting in tiny Pulaski (population 8,691). It’s also starting a 25-home project in Malvern, Iowa and a 10-home development in Muscatine, Iowa. Alquist founder and CEO Zachary Mannheimer says the firm has about 500 total units — ranging in price from $250,000 to around $400,000 — in the pipeline in Virginia, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas.”
Nothing says “mainstream” quite like Iowa and those other states. Colorado can not be far behind. Just last month, CBS Colorado (Channel 4 News) reported on a $638,000 grant under Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program to a Salida company, Verotouch, following the completion of their two 1,100-square-foot 3D-printed homes in Buena Vista.
“We are proud to accelerate innovation in housing to better address Colorado's housing needs,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “The unveiling of the first 3D-printed homes in the state is a great example of our state’s efforts to support new construction methods and create more housing now.”
The layered concrete walls of 3D-printed homes are naturally fire resistant. They are typically one-story homes with a standard peaked roof made from wood trusses, as you can see in the picture above. The front three homes in that picture show a 3-D home at different stages of completion. A gantry straddling the foundation transports the tube which lays down layer upon layer of concrete slurry following a computer program.
Previous Columns on Innovation & Technology
The dates are clickable links on our blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com April 3, 2025 —International Builders’ Show 2025 Showcased Some New & Inspiring Products Feb. 27, 2025 — As Society Deals with Affordability, Expect Greater Focus on Manufactured Homes Sept. 26, 2024 — Is a Heat Pump Right for You? Here’s Some Information to Help You Decide. Aug. 15, 2024 -- What to Ask If Buying Solar-Powered Home; Level-Up Sustainability & Recycling July 18, 2024 — Renovation Trends Reflect a Desire for Comfort, Warmth and Healthy Living May 23, 2024 — Model Home Tour Was Uninspiring. Where’s the Innovation & Sustainability? Also: Here’s the Innovation and Sustainability — Thrive Home Builders’ Loretto Heights Project May 16, 2024 — EPA’s ‘Energy Star NextGen’ Designation Is for Fully Electrified Homes May 2, 2024 — Break Away from Common Exterior Products With These Winning Products Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’? Feb. 22, 2024 —Startup Develops Concrete That Absorbs CO2; Another Turns Straw into OSB Boards Feb. 15, 2024 — Here’s an Innovative Approach to the Off-Site Modular Home Construction Industry Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build with OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood Nov. 9, 2023 — Here Are Some Ideas for the ‘Adaptive Reuse’ of Vacant Office Buildings
Also: 3D-Printing Home Construction Firm Is Relocating to Greeley, Colorado
Oct. 12, 2023 — Here’s a Company Selling ‘Self-Powered’ Manufactured Homes Starting at $310,000 Sept. 14, 2023 — I Found Only One Marshall Fire Home Being Rebuilt with Fire Resistance in Mind
Sept. 7, 2023 — Geothermal Energy, Big Sister of Geothermal Heating & Cooling, Is Coming Along June 1, 2023 — Innovative Startup Makes ‘Carbon Negative’ Building Materials Made From Grass
May 18, 2023 — Liv-Connected: A New Player in the Manufactured and Modular Housing Industry
Apr. 6, 2023 — YouTube Features 40+ ‘Top Green Products’ from the International Builders Show
Mar. 23, 2023 — Geothermal Heating & Cooling Can Be Practical & Affordable on Community Level
Feb. 23, 2023 — Boxabl, the Las Vegas Manufacturer of ADUs, Is Ramping up Production
Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes
Jan. 26, 2023 — This Year’s CES Show Featured Some Exciting New Technologies and Products
Dec. 15, 2022 —Lennar’s New Subdivision Near Austin, Texas, Features 3D-Printed Homes
Dec. 8, 2022 — A Subdivision in Pueblo Sets the Standard for All-Electric Home Construction
Nov. 10, 2022 —KB Home Is Building All-Electric Homes — But Not in Colorado
Oct. 13, 2022 — Homes That Survived Marshall Fire Were More Airtight & Had Conditioned Attics
In past columns, I have written about a local company, Colorado Earth, which has pioneered construction of homes using compressed-earth bricks called EcoBlox. That’s more labor intensive, since the walls have to be laid by workers, but homes share the same benefits of being fire and weather resilient.
New technology abounds in the other components that go into home construction. For example, in June 2023 I wrote about a company, Plantd, in North Carolina, which has developed an alternative to OSB, the wall sheeting and roof decking used in virtually all home construction, made from a fast-growing perennial grass, grown locally on former tobacco plantations, saving 17 trees per house
and sequestering 8 tons of carbon dioxide per house. See www.PlantdMaterials.com
A Fast Company article in October 2024 reported that homebuilder D.R. Horton had ordered 10 million of Plantd’s panels, enough to build 90,000 homes.
The innovation taking place in every other component of home construction — doors, windows, manufactured housing, appliances, and more — is stunning to behold, confirming for me that a major revolution in the home construction industry is already unfolding. Be sure that I’ll continue to write about it here!
I have posted links for everything mentioned in this article on our company blog at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
Does Your Older Home Have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?
An estimated 28 million American homes built in the 1950s through the 1980s, including many in Colorado, have an electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric, which lost its UL certification decades ago because of multiple failures of its Stab-Lok breakers to trip when overloaded, thereby causing a fire hazard.
Our friends at Alpine Building Performance, LLC, shared these additional issues with the FPE panels:
The breakers often don’t connect properly to the panel’s bus bars, causing arcing, overheating, and potential fire hazards.
Some Stab-Lok breakers get stuck in the “on” position, even when manually switched off, making it impossible to cut power.
Reports suggest that FPE manipulated UL testing results, leading to unsafe products being approved for use.
Studies indicate that homes with FPE panels have a significantly higher likelihood of electrical fires compared to other panels. For these reasons, any home inspector hired by a buyer can be expected to recommend that replacement be demanded of the seller.
Charities Which Used Our Free Box Truck Miss It.
So, We’ve Launched a GoFundMe Campaign to Bring It Back.
Back in February, I announced that our truck needed a new engine and other repairs and that we decided to retire it instead. This was a big loss to such non-profits as the Wounded Warrior Project, Family Promise, BGoldN, Christian Action Guild, Buffalo Bill Days, and the International Rescue Committee, among others, which used the truck more often than our clients!
The truck is off the road but still available to be repaired — or replaced, if we raise enough money. If you’d like to contribute, visit www.BringItBack.info. Thanks!
Above: A 3D-printed home in Desert Hot Springs CA. Below: A Lennar 3D subdivision in Texas
A twist in the long-running Vizguerra deportation case leads to another delay
BY BEN MARKUS COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO
In a tactical shift, attorneys for Jeanette Vizguerra are now arguing that she is being unfairly targeted for deportation by government agents frustrated by their inability to remove her from the U.S. during a 15-year process.
e new approach by attorney Laura Lichter, led ursday, caused the cancellation of a recent court hearing designed to determine whether Vizguerra could continue to be held by the government for deportation.
Instead, U.S. District Judge Nina Y. Wang convened a status conference and gave the government three weeks to respond to Lichter’s forthcoming new argument that pursuit of Vizguerra is rooted in their frustration with her criticism over the years of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
“As the court is aware, this case has been moving very quickly and there have been material changes, some additional facts, that we determined after we led our initial petition,” said Lichter. “One of those centers around our concern that Ms. Vizguerra’s detention was retaliatory for her exercise of her rst amendment speech rights.”
“She was ambushed in the Target parking lot by o cers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement who said ‘wenally got you.’”
Such an argument may not ultimately protect Vizguerra from deportation, but it adds a new wrinkle to a case that has played out for more than a decade through immigration courts and the news media.
And, at least for now, it means she will remain held in the ICE detention facility in Aurora.
e government asked for 21 days to respond to the yet-to-be- led amended petition, noting that the court has already put a stay on any deportation until federal court proceedings run their course, which the judge said could push a hearing on the matter to late next month, depending on when the amended petition is led with the court.
Vizguerra has multiple federal court cases in process — including the one heard Friday. While her attorneys challenge her detention in federal district court, they’re also disputing the validity of the deportation order against her in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. ey argue the government never properly served her with a deportation order and failed to fully inform her of her right to appeal.
Federal agents detained Vizguerra on March 17 — less than two months after President Donald Trump returned to ofce — while she was working at a Target store in the Denver area. Her attorneys led a habeas petition the next day, contesting her detention.
Vizguerra rose to national prominence in 2017, when she evaded immigration authorities by living in a church basement early in the rst Trump administration. Her public de ance drew widespread attention, making her a symbol for both immigration activists and hardliners.
She came to Colorado from Mexico in 1997 and worked her way up from cleaning o ces to organizing for the janitor’s union. In 2009, a routine tra c stop launched what has become a 15-year battle to stay in the U.S. Federal authorities
initiated deportation proceedings, and while she appealed, Vizguerra traveled brie y to Mexico in 2012 to visit her dying mother. She later pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
After serving one year of unsupervised probation, Vizguerra successfully applied for stays of deportation ve times. But when Trump rst took o ce in 2017, ICE denied her sixth request. She sought sanctuary in the First Unitarian Church in
Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most in uential people of the year in 2017. Her cause was championed by Colorado lawmakers, including thenCongressman Jared Polis, who said she was being unfairly targeted. Soon after, she received a two-year stay of deportation and left the church. It was a short-lived reprieve. In 2019, when her stay was not renewed, she again sought sanctuary in the church. By 2020, amid the pandemic, protests over the killing of George Floyd, and a turbulent election year, Vizguerra quietly left the church once more.
Like many immigrants with uncertain status, Vizguerra kept a low pro le — working at Target and raising her U.S.citizen children — until Trump was reelected last year. His administration again moved to deport her shortly after his inauguration.
Vizguerra’s national pro le has helped her secure extraordinary legal resources. Many of the hundreds of cases that go through immigration court in Colorado every year are rarely a orded more than limited pro bono help. Often people going through immigration court don’t have an attorney, and are confused by the proceedings. Many are deported to their home countries with no fanfare, no press.
Vizguerra’s attorneys told the judge that they were “frustrated” by the immigration authorities trying to proceed with so-called “reasonable fear” interviews with Vizguerra. It’s a normal part of the process, triggered by previous deportation orders.
“I sent an email yesterday to the Houston asylum o ce reiterating my concerns about representation and they’re not communicating directly with my client unless I was present, and asking them to hold the review in abeyance pending the result of this litigation,” said Lichter. e judge didn’t rule on that issue, but noted that Vizguerra has the right to have council present at the interview. e judge also ordered the case to be unrestricted, so that the lings are publicly posted online going forward.
Jeanette
First Unitar-
PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY/DENVERITE
said. “Shame on me for not putting that on old business to sign. When Dominique realized we didn’t nish that, we reintroduced it (at the March 27 meeting) to see if there were any changes from what we had talked about back then.”
e updated contract was approved retroactive to March 1 and added another 5% raise for Ware moving forward, which is the same raise the board gave the rest of the Elk Creek Fire sta . Newby cast the only vote against Ware’s contract.
“I nd that proper legal and personnel review processes were not followed,” he said. “ erefore, adoption of the agreement would not be in the best interest of the district.”
When Devaney questioned what processes he meant, Newby said, “I’ll just leave it at that.”
Devaney then listed multiple legal and other reviews the contract had had, starting in August 2023. She noted that Newby had been at all meetings in which it was discussed.
But during the March 27 meeting, Newby again objected.
“ e contract was not approved by the board at large,” he said. “Since the special meeting in May, it has lain fallow. It was never brought to the board either in special session or any other form. It’s illegal. And the district is in jeopardy because of your actions.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Devaney said. “You’re absolutely right. It wasn’t approved in June, which is why we’re doing so now.”
about approving a memorandum of understanding with the re ghters’ union, Elk Creek Fire ghters Local 4710. e union advocates for fair wages, bene ts, and working conditions.
“I nd that proper legal processes again were not followed,” he said. “ erefore, adoption of this agreement would not be in the best interest of the district.”
Pixley questioned Newby’s statement, and said both a labor lawyer and the district’s labor reviewed the MOU.
are lacking,” he said.
Newby did not elaborate.
“I’ll just leave it at that,” he said.
Newby, who opposed a consolidation e ort with Inter-Canyon and North Fork Fire that narrowly lost in a November 2023 vote, also opposes current e orts to unify the three districts.
Uni cation is a process outlined under state statute that does not include a mill levy increase or require an election.
All three re boards passed motions in
favor of uni cation in late 2024, but in Elk Creek, board member Chuck Newby and district resident Neil Whitehead III led an appeal. ey say the uni cation process violates state statute, subverts the voters’ wishes, and could result in higher taxes without voter approval.
Je erson County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the appeal, but a date has not been set.
North Fork and Inter-Canyon merged in late 2024 as the Conifer Fire Protection District.
Evergreen Park & Recreation District
EPRD Board of Directors
Candidate Forum
Board member Chuck Newby, left, and Chief Ware during the November Elk Creek Fire board meeting.
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
A series of 80 gabion baskets were installed on the first third of the trail in 2023 and 2023, helping prevent erosion and creating steps for hikers. Another 60 will be constructed this year.
TRAIL
AllTrails reviewers describe it as “harsh, steep, unrelenting” and “not for beginners.” But those qualities are also just what many Colorado athletes seek.
On a Monday at noon, the trailhead parking lot just west of the town of Morrison was nearly full. And on weekends, it regularly over ows, with hikers and runners parking on the side of Highway 74. All the use has accelerated erosion on the steep trail, calling the issue to Jeffco’s attention. e rst third of the trail — which Fields described as so steep and
littered with rocks, “It’s like walking on ball bearings” —is their greatest concern. Once funding is granted for it, Je co will oversee construction of a set of natural stone stairs, starting in the parking lot to meet the trail. Je co will then close and revegetate the current initial section.
In addition to installing more gabion baskets, it will add trail markers to the last third of the hike, where users scrambling up the rock face can easily become confused and get o trail.
Fields said the county would never design a trail with Mt. Morrison’s grades — which range from 15 to 30% — but doesn’t plan to signi cantly alter it.
“Our sweet spot for new construction trails is 8-12%, and this one blows that out of the water,” he said. “If we built this in the way we want, there’d be switchback after switchback. Nevertheless, we’re not going to close it. We’re going to make what we see as improvements. Our goal is to maintain that rugged experience, not change it.”
“ ere are certain areas where you just
know you can’t ght human nature,” McCarty said.
Je co did a survey of more than 500 trail users in 2020 that showed users were generally supportive of managing and improving the trail. And hikers at the trailhead March 31 backed those ndings up.
“It’s a little gnarly,” said Dylan Dobbins of Denver. “I think as long as it’s not invasive, making it more accessible for people would be nice.”
Green Mountain resident Will Walker, who uses the trail three times a week, said conditions can be tricky.
“It gets really muddy and slippery in this rst section, so stairs would be amazing,” he said.
Lakewood’s Mike Henrick likes the idea of adding markers near the top.
“I use it all the time and it’s still confusing,” he said. “As long as it’s still steep, that’s what’s important to me.”
Fields said this year’s gabion baskets construction may be a volunteer project, and urged those interested in helping to check the county’s volunteer calendar.
PHOTOS BY JANE REUTER
Je co Open Space plans to build a set of stairs in the next few years that will replace the eroded initial ascent of the trail, which trail workers will then close and revegetate.
CANYON COURIER TO SPONSOR ELK CREEK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM
April 15 event will be at West Je Middle School in Conifer
COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA STAFF
e Canyon Courier will sponsor an Elk Creek Fire Fire Protection District Board
candidates forum at 6 p.m. April 15 at West Je erson Middle School. e school is at 9449 Barnes Ave. in Conifer. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., and light refreshments will be provided
Readers may send questions for candidates to hello@coloradocommunitymedia. com by 5 p.m. April 14 with ELK CREEK FIRE in the subject line of the email.
Five candidates are seeking two open seats on the Elk Creek Fire board, setting up
what will likely be one of the area’s most engaging contests.
Michael Bartlett, Al Leo, Kathleen Noonan, omas Seymour and Todd Wagner are running. Board president Greg Pixley and director Melissa Baker are term-limited and will step down.
Elk Creek has undergone controversy in the last few years as its board has attempted to merge the district with neighboring North Fork and Inter-Canyon re districts.
A publication of
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Proxy voting in the U.S. House clears a major hurdle
BY CAITLYN KIM CPR NEWS
House Republican leaders tried, and failed, to kill an e ort to allow proxy voting for new parents in the chamber.
It was a big win for Colorado Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen and Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. e two women have been trying to get this change done in the House since the last Congress.
And it was a loss for Speaker Mike Johnson, who, along with much of House leadership, opposes proxy voting, calling it unconstitutional, even as he used it himself when it was allowed during the pandemic.
But it’s a setback that he hopes is temporary. House leaders left the Capitol saying they will again try to stop proxy voting through a rule next week.
Luna and Pettersen had pushed for a House vote on the change through a legislative maneuver known as a discharge petition. With 218 signatures, rank-and- le lawmakers can bypass House leadership and force a vote on a particular piece of legislation. Over two days, a dozen Republicans bucked their leaders and signed onto the petition, along with over 200 Democrats, early last month. In an attempted end run, early Tuesday leaders inserted language to kill the proxy voting resolution, and anything similar in the future, into the rules package that lays out debate on legislation for the week.
Luna described the language as a “discharge petition killer” that would paint anyone voting against the rule as being opposed to the bills being debated, which this week includes a Republican priority bill to require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. She added that leadership was “trying to change the rules” because her side was successful at getting the required number of signatures.
Still, instead of passing along party lines as usual, Luna and eight other Republicans voted against the rule, ending Johnson’s attempt to kill proxy voting this Congress, 206222. All of Colorado’s Republicans voted for the rule, while the state’s Democrats voted against it.
After the vote, the Florida congresswoman joked “Never bet against the Luna.”
She called it a historical day for the chamber. “it’s showing that the body has decided that parents deserve a voice in Washington and also the importance of female members having a vote in Washington, D.C.”
Luna and Pettersen worked as a team and praised each other’s e orts.
“Speaker Johnson pulled out all the stops and people continued to stand with us,” Pettersen said. “We’re changing the way that Congress works, making sure that moms and parents have a voice and I am just so proud to be part of this.”
e issue has caused divisions among House Republicans. Earlier this week, Luna resigned from the House Freedom Caucus as
some in the group worked to block her e ort.
“I cannot remain part of a caucus where a select few operate outside its guidelines, misuse its name, broker backroom deals that undermine its core values and where the lines of compromise and transaction are blurred, disparage me to the press, and encourage misrepresentation of me to the American people,” she said in her letter stepping away from the group.
In 2023, Luna was the 12th lawmaker to give birth while serving. At the time she appealed to GOP leaders to adjust rules for new parents to no avail.
Earlier this year, Pettersen became the 13th and GOP Rep. Kat Cammack will soon be the 14th. She announced she’s expecting her rst child in August.
“I’m really excited to think that [Cammack] will not go through what we went through, on trying to make sure that we’re representing our constituents and taking care of our baby. So it’s all worth it – changing Congress for the better,” Pettersen said. at change may have to wait a little bit longer. While Luna moved to have the resolution brought up to the oor within the next two legislative days, House leaders canceled votes for the rest of the week.
is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
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Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Anna Paulina Luna talk with press outside of the U.S. Capitol after defeating an e ort to kill their proxy voting resolution on April 1, 2025.
PHOTO BY CAITLYN KIM
We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.canyoncourier.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a spaceavailable basis.
UPCOMING
Mountain Mixer @ 5: 5 p.m. April 10, Echo Mountain tubing hill, 19285 Hwy 103, Idaho Springs. evergreenchamber. org.
Creativity, Co ee and Conversation: 1:30 p.m. April 11, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. seniors4wellness.org
Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors Food Drive: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12. Donation drop-o at Church of the Cross or at the Evergreen Safeway. Food Drive for EChO Food Pantry. For more information:: evergreenchristianoutreach.org/
18th annual Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13, Evergreen High School, 29300 Buffalo Park Road, Evergreen. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Evergreen and Conifer. foothillshomeshow.com
e Terrible Toll Road: 1 p.m. April 13, 26951 Barkley Road, Conifer. e Bradford Toll Road was once the most direct route to the mining camps in the mountains. Learn more with Journalist Jamie Siebrase. Tickets at coniferhistoricalsociety.org
room, 5000 County Hwy 73, Evergreen. Join Colorado Parks and Wildlife District O cer Jacob Sonberg for info on protecting wildlife, your home, pets, and yourself. Register at oursharedhabitat.cheddarup.com. Free.
Floyd Hill Meadow Earth Day Celebration: 10 a.m. April 22, Floyd Hill Meadow, o I70, adjacent to Clear Creek High school. Mountain Area Land Trust hosts a community ribbon cutting & clean up. RSVP requested at savetheland.org.
Morning Birds & Brews: 8:30 a.m. April 25. Evergreen Nature Center, 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. We will spend some time chatting indoors before heading to the meadow to see birds. Free, no registration required. evergreenaudubon.org.
Foothills Conversations “Get Your Ducks in a Row”: 4 p.m. April 15, Mount Evans Home Healthcare and Hospice, 3081 Bergen Peak Drive in Evergreen. Review critical documents, talk about end-of-life care. FoothillsConversations@MtEvans.org
Elk Creek Fire candidates forum: 6 p.m., April 15, at West Je erson Middle School, 9449 Barnes Ave., Conifer 80433. Sponsored by the Canyon Courier. Send questions for candidates to hello@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Conifer Area Council: 7 p.m. April 16, West Je erson Middle School, 9449 Barnes Ave., Conifer.
Our Shared Habitat: Coexisting with Wildlife program: 6 p.m. April 17, Evergreen Library community meeting
Evergreen Park & Recreation District Candidate forum: 9 a.m. April 26, United Methodist Church, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. Information/ questions: 720-675-7906.
World ai Chi Day: 10 a.m. April 26, Miller House at Buchanan Recreation Center, Evergreen. Free session to introduce ai Chi to newcomers and practice for others.
Center for the Arts Blue Silo Studios exhibit: Now through April 26, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. Featuring nearly 20 artists from Denver’s historic Blue Silo Studios.
Conservation: 5 p.m. May 16, Mountain Home, 27965 Meadow Drive, Evergreen. Wild Aware’s second annual bene t celebrating wildlife through art, while supporting local conservation efforts. Wine, appetizers, art by Colorado artists, sculptors, and photographers. wildaware.org
A Taste of Peace: 5 p.m. May 31, Evergreen Elks Lodge, 27972 Iris Dr, Evergreen. Fundraiser for PeaceWorks. Tickets and more information at peaceworksinc.co/communitywellness ONGOING
Evergreen Ice Melt tickets available through March 17: $3 each with discounts for multiple purchases. Purchase tickets or nd local businesses selling tickets at evergreenicemelt.com. Proceeds bene t local organizations and nonpro ts.
Evergreen Chamber Orchestra - Series Finale Recital: 3 p.m. May 4, St. Laurence Episcopal Church, 26812 Barkley Rd, Conifer. ECO’s Tickets at evergreenchamberorch.org
Resilience1220 6th anniversary: 5:30 p.m. May 7, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen. Celebrating youth creativity. Entertainment, exhibits, silent auction. resilience1220.org.
Wildlife Watch spring volunteer training: 10 a.m. May 10, Evergreen Lake. Wildlife Watch relies on volunteers to educate visitors to Evergreen Lake about our local elk during calving and rutting seasons. Register at evergreenaudubon.org or email info@ wildaware.org.
Art Gone Wild Bene t Returns – An Evening of Art, Wine, and Wildlife
Public ice skating and lessons: Evergreen Lake, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. Season and punch passes available. evergreenrecreation. com.
Mountain Women Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 9 a.m. every Saturday in person and on Zoom, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 CR-73, Evergreen. Mountain Women also meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon. evergreenaa. com/
Wild Aware is actively recruiting volunteers for their Last Friday Co ee. e monthly event is at 9 a.m., the last Friday morning of every month. Evergreen Bread and Cocktail Lounge, 1260 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.
e American Legion Evergreen Post 2001: Meets 4 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Evergreen Church of the Trans guration, Douglas Hall, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Serving all military Veterans in the foothills. Email evergreenpost2001@gmail.com.
Evergreen Camera Club: Meets every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Fire/Rescue auditorium, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Club is for people who share a passion for all photography, from beginners to professionals. Attend in person or via ZOOM.
Evergreen Area Republican Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the rst Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. e May 7 speaker is 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. Information at evergreenarearepublicanclub.org
Conifer Chamber of Commerce member meeting: 7:30 a.m. on second ursdays, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 9444 Eagle Cli Road, Conifer. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.
Evergreen Nature Center Weekly Preschool Adventures Program: 9 a.m. every ursday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free & no registration required. Programs designed for children ages 2-5 years old. All children must have an adult in attendance. Dress to explore the outdoors. evergreenaudubon.org
Evergreen Nature Center Monthly Family Program: 11 a.m. every last Saturday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. evergreenaudubon.org
Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet at 9 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. For more information, e-mail mtnareademocrats@gmail. com
Evergreen Nature Center: Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Trans guration. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.EvergreenAudubon.org.
e Bear Creek Cemetery Association board of directors volunteers needed: Members needed to help with operations of the local cemetery on Highway 74, Evergreen. Contact board president, evergreenbearcreekcemetery@gmail.com
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@ bluesprucehabitat.org for information.
EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store sup-
SEE HAPPENINGS, P25
Easter ... Saturday? Answers may be in the eggs
Spring is fully in the air and Easter is right around the corner. We all know when to celebrate that holiday because we start seeing all kinds of colorful egg-shaped things and bunnies and wind-up hopping chicks and our regular candy packaged in pastel colors, all in an entire aisle devoted to everything Easter in the grocery store. In this day and age, we all get plenty of warning that the most mobile of moving date holidays is going to be happening on Sunday, …Uhm, Sunday, April…Ok, some Sunday in April, unless it’s the last Sunday in March. No, that can’t be it this year, we passed that day and none of my family called. Ok, let me get out my calendar. Now, let’s see.
Nah, I don’t need a calendar, there’s a formula! Google. Ok, it says here that it’s a movable feast. Yes, we already know that. Easter Sunday falls on the, wait a second…Apparently it depends on whether or not you are using the Gregorian calendar or the Julian calendar. I guess you do need a calendar. So, which one is mine? It has pictures of motorcycles and a di erent woman each month, and I don’t think any of them are named Greg or Julian. ere’s a Julie, but that’s probably not it. Let’s just go with that calendar since I al-
ready have it.
In our fast-paced, instant-gratication world, I sometimes worry that encouragement is an art form we are forgetting how to use. Some might be thinking I am wrong that they can point out inspiring things all around us. But encouraging others is di erent than inspiring them. Inspiration res our hearts and points the direction we should go. Encouragement says let me walk alongside you as you navigate this di cult path.
Encouraging others is not complicated but does take some intentionality. Two of the most helpful things you can do when trying to encourage others is to personalize the encouragement and to create opportunities for people to receive that encouragement on their time frame.
Sometimes, a window into how someone else has done something is the very best way to help you imagine how to do it yourself. As I have mentioned in the past, “Words of Encouragement” started when I was looking for a way to support a friend and his wife as they navigated his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. My e orts were far from perfect, but they were genuine, heartfelt e orts. My encouragement came in the form of emails so that they could read on their own time.
Today, I am sharing two of the emails that I sent Shane and Summer over the course of his four-year battle, in hopes that you will nd inspiration for encouraging others. e rst email was sent in the later weeks of Shane’s rst chemotherapy rounds. You could see, at that time, that the medicine was wearing him out, and he needed encouragement to keep going. e second came as
Next, we have to nd the rst Sunday after the Paschal Full moon. Alright there’s a formula for that too. Apparently, that’s the full moon that occurs on or after the March or Spring equinox. Wait, there’s an asterisk there.
(*Note that the spring equinox date used by the Christian Church is always March 21 to simplify matters. In fact, the astronomical date of the equinox can shift by a day or so. In 2025, the astronomical date of the equinox is March 20). Alright, this is a little more complicated than I thought it was going to be. Let me just look for where it says Easter Sunday on my own calendar. Ah, there it is. Sunday, April 20. It’s right there on Julie’s page!
Now that you know when it is, you can start planning things like a traditional Easter dinner. Stop! Don’t Google that unless you are some kind of crazy gourmet chef! e rst page that comes up is “50 Easter Dinner Recipes You’ll Make Every Year.”
ey think we are going to make 50 things for one Sunday dinner every year? I’m afraid to look at what they came up with for anksgiving. ere’s an endless collection of cooking pages for Easter, but most of them have a picture of a ham and au gratin potatoes at the top, so I guess that’s a good place to start.
Ok, you have the dinner ideas and the right Sunday, let’s look at a few events in Golden that you can enjoy. e rst one is the most iconic event, and that’s the annual Kiwanis Club and Golden Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt. It’s a big one and it happens every year in Parfet Park on the corner of 10th Street and Washington Avenue. is year it’s going to be at 10 a.m. sharp on Easter…Saturday? Seriously? After I just went through all that guring out when Easter Sunday is?
Yup, that’s right. It happens on Saturday, April 19. ey do it on Saturday every year so it doesn’t clash with other things like church services that happen on Sunday. And when they say 10 a.m. sharp, they mean sharp and you don’t want to be even 30 seconds late for this one.
On the morning of the hunt, thousands of plastic eggs are spread throughout Parfet Park with di erent areas for di er-
A personal journey to help a friend in need
ent age groups. But once the bell sounds, the kids clean the park in no time. So, plan on getting there plenty early to nd parking and walk to the park. All kids up to the age of 10 are welcome to participate, and they get lots and lots of kids.
Now, if you prefer to go to an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, there will be one for the entire community on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church of Golden, located at 1500 Ford St. at 11 a.m. It’s for kids from 2 years old through fth grade. And they have their own parking lot!
And one more. e Golden Mill at 1012 Ford St. in Golden is having its annual Easter egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have eggs there for adults! Now, either they are really good at hiding things or they will be replenishing the eggs throughout the three hours, but either way, it sounds like fun. So, Happy Easter!
John Akal is a well-known jazz artist/ drummer and leader of the 20-piece Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra. He also is president of John Akal Imaging, professional commercial photography and multimedia production. He can be reached at jaimaging@aol.com.
Shane was battling for his life three years into his ght and needed to be reminded of the beauty surrounding his life. Less than a year later, he would lose that battle.
August 8, 2017
Shane and Summer,
Every Monday in college during the football season, we had to run the CC (Colorado College) Stadium Hill 10 times at the end of practice. e hill was probably 35 yards long and very vertical. I never liked that hill, but I especially hated it when we were preparing to run the ninth hill. I hated it because we were not done, but we were close. ere was still work to do and no way around it. Each week it took a special kind of mental focus to get started on that ninth hill.
Marathon runners talk about the 19th mile in the same way (OK, my hill was less taxing than seven more miles of running.) ey tell about the mental energy that must go into breaking through that 19th-mile barrier.
As someone working to overcome a struggle, I know you can re ect on barriers you have needed to ght through as well.
You, me, marathon runners; we have all done what we needed to do because we knew the reward for our diligence. is part of your struggle is no di erent than those hills, or that mile. e rewards are bigger, but the mental energy needed to make it
up that hill is tremendous. We would all have you take a di erent road if it were possible. But it is not. So, you are going to do what must be done. is is the time when you must believe in the process, trust in God’s plan, and use all of the determination you can muster. is struggle is messy, but you are built to push through it. You have the mental toughness inside you. e rewards are coming, every indicator points to that result. Stay strong.
You have got this,
Jim April 15, 2020 Shane and Summer, ere are moments in our lives when we know we are witnessing something spectacular. It might be a sunset or some other natural wonder. It could be a collective achievement or an individual’s special moment. ey are sights that stick with you forever. I still remember sitting in the stands at Mile High watching John Elway work his magic to beat the Houston Oilers in the last few seconds of a playo game, as my brother-in-law sat next to me repeatedly yelling, “un #!.%$ believable!” I also remember the space launch I watched, which carried an experiment created by Eaglecrest students on board, and the sunsets Beth and I saw over open space in New Mexico.
Meet Miners Alley’s ‘National Bohemians’
TCOMING ATTRACTIONS
here’s no timetable when it comes to the creative process. Sometimes, an idea can take years to get from your mind to out in the world. at’s the case for local actor and playwright Luke Sorge, whose “National Bohemians” is making its world premiere at Miners Alley Playhouse “ is the rst play I wrote when I was 20 years old, but it’s undergone many changes since that initial script,” he said. “It went through a lot work with great people and theaters like the Benchmark eatre before making its way to Miners Alley.”
Directed by Warren Sherrill, “National Bohemians” runs at Miners Alley, 1100 Miners Alley in Golden, through Sunday, April 20. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Loosely inspired by Sorge’s experiences with his father and brothers, the show follows estranged brothers om (Len Matheo) and Oscar (Steven J. Burge) as they return home to deal with a family crisis. eir older brother, John (Tim Fishbaugh), has taken their mother from her care facility, claiming he’s ending her su ering. e family, which includes John’s daughter Liah (Jenna Moll Reyes), has to come to terms with di cult truths as they face a literal and gurative hurricane.
Working on a world premiere can be both exciting and challenging, but Sherrill said Sorge has been great to work with as they shaped the production.
e thing about those “unforgettables” is that you know it right away, as soon as you rst glimpse it. ere is never a doubt of the beauty of it, of its perfection, or the fact that it will in uence you for the rest of your life. I hope that in the midst of this bat-
“A lot of times, having an author or playwright around isn’t the best experience, but Luke has been a great collaborator,” he said. “We’ve always believed in the show and believe we have all the right elements to make it truly enjoyable for audiences. We’re really lucky we get to do the world premiere.”
AVENUE FLASHES
John Akal WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Jim Roome
Clarke Reader
FIREPLACES
From Page 13
can install a direct vent gas insert. You may need to run a gas line to the replace but once installed, you have a safe and reliable source of heat. You can also opt for adding gas log sets as an aesthetic addition to a former wood-burning replace, but these will not increase its e ciency.
How Do I Know If a Fireplace Insert Will Work For Me?
Most existing masonry (brick or stone) wood burning replaces can accommodate an insert! If you’re not sure if your replace is suitable for an insert, our NFI-Certi ed experts will assess your replace to make sure an insert will work.
Each type of insert (gas, wood, or pellet) has its own installation requirements and challenges. Our technicians will install the insert
and utilize the existing chimney by installing exible chimney liners. We adhere to building codes and plan for and resolve issues such as proper ventilation and clearances. We handle the logistics ahead of time and don’t leave anything to chance.
Which Is More
Expensive
to Operate, a Wood or Gas Insert?
Wood has the potential of being less expensive than gas but you have to be resourceful, plan ahead, and try to source nd cordwood for free. Hardwoods, which burn hotter and longer, are much more expensive than pine and not commonly found as “free rewood” but the trade o is that you use less wood. Pine, r, and spruce can o en be sourced locally for free.
E cient wood-burning inserts burn up to 50% less wood than old-fashioned wood stoves (which are already a giant step up from open replaces). Modern inserts use secondary combustion to incinerate combustible gases and
Please see FIREPLACES, Page 19
is Kozy Heat Nordik 34 Gas Insert transformed this homeowner’s lower level from cold and uninviting to her favorite hangout.
Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services
Mental health is a growing concern across Colorado, and in rural communities like ours, the need is even more urgent. Limited providers, nancial barriers, and social stigma o en prevent individuals from seeking the support they need. At All Access Wellness, we believe that everyone in our community deserves access to mental health and wellness services, regardless of their nancial situation.
is vision began with Sara Peterson, a local mental health provider and business owner. rough her work at Conifer Counseling and her involvement in various community initiatives, Sara saw rsthand the gaps in mental health services. She asked herself: What if there was a collaborative nonpro t dedicated to reducing barriers to mental health care? In November 2022, that vision became a reality when All Access Wellness o cially became a nonpro t organization. Since its inception, All Access Wellness
has built a network of mental health providers who can access funding to serve individuals who cannot a ord the mental health services they need to thrive. In 2024 alone, we funded 366 mental health sessions for 97 individuals, ensuring they received the care they needed without the burden of nancial strain. From supporting children who have experienced trauma to survivors of domestic violence to veterans needing support managing medications, All Access Wellness has been a bridge to wellness for our community this past year. But our mission extends beyond individual therapy sessions—we are working to strengthen the overall well-being of our community.
is year, we are expanding our impact through community connection groups and mental health events designed to bring people together and combat the isolation that o en intensi es mental health struggles. ese events will provide education, resources, and
a sense of belonging for individuals who may feel disconnected or unsupported.
One of our most exciting new initiatives is the Dude Talk Dinner, a program speci cally designed to support men’s mental health. Men’s mental health challenges are frequently overlooked despite the fact that nearly 80% of all suicides nationwide involve men. Research shows that men are signi cantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns, leading many to struggle in silence.
Dude Talk Dinner aims to change that by reducing the stigma around men’s mental health, fostering a sense of camaraderie, developing resilience, and creating a support system for men in our community.
All Access Wellness is also launching free Community Connection Groups through our network of providers. ese groups focus on building a sense of community and support while participating in fun, engaging activities. Whether it’s mindfulness workshops,
movement-based gatherings, or creative arts sessions, these programs are designed to nurture well-being and create spaces where individuals can form meaningful relationships.
Mental health is not just an individual concern—it is a community issue. When people have access to the care and support they need, the entire community thrives. At All Access Wellness, we are committed to breaking down barriers, fostering connections, and ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient community for all.
All Access Wellness is a grassroots 501(c) (3) nonpro t organization committed to improving access to mental health and wellness services for children, families, and individuals in rural Je erson and Park Counties in Colorado. By donating to All Access Wellness today, you can give a neighbor the support they need to be well. Give or learn more at
How to Pick the Right Plants for Your Location
(StatePoint) When planning your yard or garden, you likely focus on the what and the where. A er all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights.
You may pay less attention though to understanding how your location, or plant hardiness zone, impacts your garden’s success. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness:
What is Plant Hardiness?
Plant hardiness is the secret sauce of any healthy outdoor space. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, ooding, heat and cold. Have you ever watched with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite? Plant hardiness zones were developed to help landscapers, gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts avoid this heartache.
American farming contributes billions of dollars to the gross national product annually, which is one reason why the USDA has long monitored weather data. If determining when the average nal frost may occur for every region in the country is worth billions, what could that same knowledge mean for your garden? Well, choosing plants with hardiness levels appropriate to speci c planting zones gives you the best chance of cultivating healthy, beautiful plants.
What is My Growing Zone?
e United States is divided into 13 zones. Zones 1-6 being the coldest, and 7-13 the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops below 70 degrees F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in and make a point
of checking the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting.
Perennials Versus Annuals
ere’s a reason you see palm trees in Sarasota, Florida, not Saginaw, Michigan. When it comes to perennials, it’s not about when the rst frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether that plant can survive and thrive
through winter.
Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals. Because these plants are only meant to last one growing season; waiting until a er the average rst frost date will save you from having to re-plant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.
Planting Zone Rule of umb
Plant hardiness zone maps are, well, all over the map. Consider the number assigned to your zip code as a starting point. You may live right at the break between one zone and the other. When in doubt, guess too low, rather than too high. In the South, the heat stress a plant not made for the conditions. Your particular geography can also a ect your hardiness zone, like if you live on a hill or in a valley.
For more insights, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and watch “Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone,” an episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. ere you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.
Understanding what plants will thrive in your climate is essential to a healthy landscape. Fortunately, free resources abound to help you plant successfully.
A BOOK MAKES A GREAT GIFT.
A womanizing US president. Gin-drinking, poker-playing, skirt-chasing Cabinet members. And a plot from the inside to usurp control of the Navy’s oil reserves. Wild and juicy stuff this. And all of it a true chapter of America’s history.
There may not be another US scandal that is so heavy with corruption and criminality that weighs so lightly on our collective consciousness as the Teapot Dome Scandal. From 1920 to 1922, power-hungry politicians and corporate tycoons boldly schemed to steal the nation’s newest energy resourcel. In so doing these crooks put a black mark on the pioneering work of those who gave birth to Wyoming’s incredible bonanza.
With a deft researcher’s hand and the heart and attention of a creative writer, Constance Bierkan has written a rst-of-its-kind ctionalized recounting of what led up to this nearly forgotten nugget from the past, the Teapot Dome Scandal. Like No Place on Earth is a spirited coming-of-age story set in Wyoming at the start of the madcap Roaring Twenties and the birth of the oil industry. As much a love story as it is a historical deep-dive, Like No Place on Earth will be irresistible to book clubs and history buffs alike.
particulates that would otherwise go up the chimney, resulting in more heat and a lot less pollution!
As of this writing, natural gas is much cheaper than electricity in the Denver Metro area, which makes a gas insert an attractive option for homeowners looking for more heat without the work of a wood-burning appliance.
Can I Use an Insert
When the Power Goes Out?
Yes! Both gas and wood stove inserts are reliable sources of heat in a power outage. Most gas inserts operate on an electronic ignition system but with a battery backup: once lit, they stay lit. Blowers won’t work without electricity, but a quality gas or wood stove insert will radiate heat even when the power is out.
Does a Fireplace Insert Add Value To My Home?
Yes! According to Red n, homes with attractive replace inserts tend to sell faster and for 13% more than average.
e question then is which fuel is better, wood or gas? Each home is unique, and so is every homeowner. You may have easy access to wood and appreciate the idea of energy independence and the aroma and
crackle of an authentic wood re.
Or, you may prioritize the convenience, cleanliness, and instant on-o of a gas insert. We can help you make the right choice based on your home, heating needs, aesthetics, lifestyle, and budget.
Do Inserts Need Service?
Yes, both wood stove and gas inserts require annual service. e average wood-burning insert should get at least annual service depending on how o en you burn. Gas inserts need annual service to ensure e ciency and safety.
A wood stove insert needs service if you notice backdra (smoke blowing out of the insert rather than going up the chimney), if it’s hard to build or maintain a re, if there’s creosote buildup on the walls, or if there’s soot falling into the insert. e National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual inspections and service to ensure e ciency and prevent chimney res.
A gas insert needs service if your pilot won’t turn on or won’t stay lit, or there’s a lot of soot on your logs.
For your convenience, we forward-schedule service a year in advance or on a schedule determined by your service technician.
Can I Put a TV Above My Fireplace Insert?
We get this question a lot. Putting a TV above the replace is
a popular way to optimize space. But, it must be done with caution because heat and electronics don’t mix. We recommend installing a mantel which will block rising heat. It’s a myth that putting your TV higher will protect it! Heat risesde ecting it is the only method that will protect electronics. e simple solution of adding a mantel will divert the heat away from the TV. We feature a variety of non-combustible mantels in our showroom if your replace doesn’t have a mantel and you want to add one.
Let’s Ignite Your Fireplace Insert Project!
Spring is the best time to get a replace insert project going because there’s plenty of time to assess the site, discuss your needs, choose the right appliance, and have it installed and ready to go before fall.
Please stop by our showroom at 7001 Hwy 73 just south of Evergreen to see our fully functioning gas and wood stove inserts in person, or call our friendly team of experts at 303679-1601. Our experts will help you determine whether your replace can accommodate an insert and the type of insert that’s best for your needs. We handle all of the planning and logistics and ensure your insert is installed to the highest standards. We look forward to making your home warmer and more attractive!
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Gas inserts like the Kozy Heat Chaska 29 are top choices for homeowners looking for the ambience of a re but don’t want to burn wood.
A dra y old replace can be completely transformed with an insert like this beautiful Fireplace Xtrordinair 616 EmberGlo Deluxe gas insert with its sleek contemporary lines.
In harm’s way SOUTH JEFFCO – According to the Complainant’s complaint, he’d been heading to church when he witnessed F150 and Xterra “racing” along South Lewis Street. As it happened, they’d been “racing” to the same church as Complainant, and when Complainant confronted Xterra in the parking lot, Xterra “laughed at me” and – consciously and with malice aforethought – “hit me with his vehicle.” Complainant bravely told deputies that being all but run down did not distress him unduly, but he wanted Xterra and F150 ticketed for “racing.” For his part, Xterra denied “racing” anywhere, denied “laughing” at Complainant’s concerns, and solemnly denied trying to run Complainant over. Faced with such divergent accounts, deputies grilled church surveillance tapes, which clearly showed Complainant standing a comfortable distance away as Xterra began backing out of his parking space, Complainant quickly placing himself in the moving vehicle’s path and Xterra’s abrupt stop, and Complainant reading Xterra the riot act for his inexcusable recklessness. Xterra and F150 agreed that “it’s important to
drive safely.” Complainant agreed that he “should not have walked behind a moving car.” Deputies agreed that the case was closed.
Hammacher Schlemmer hijacked SOUTH TURKEY CREEK – Laurel called JCSO to report that her mail had been stolen. Laurel knew that her mail had been stolen because “I usually get a catalog this time of year,” and the expected item had thus far failed to materialize. Deputies noted no damage to Laurel’s mailbox, knew of no similar complaints in the area, and suggested to Laurel that the recent meteorological disruptions might have momentarily interfered with her catalog’s prompt delivery. Laurel found those observations unconvincing and asked that an o cial report be made of her suspicions. Deputies made the report, and Laurel promised to call postal authorities to see if they could track the movements of her missing merchandiser.
Rue the looking glass
EVERGREEN – Honeysuckle and Huggybear dated for about a year, which is how long it took Honeysuckle to realize she didn’t want to date a mean drunk like Huggybear. Honeysuckle kicked Huggybear to the curb
and began keeping more nurturing company with Sugarpuss. Fast forward the evening of Feb. 19, when Honeysuckle was gassing up Sugarpuss’s pickup truck. Seemingly out of nowhere, Huggybear roared into the station, leapt from his vehicle, gave Sugarpuss’s driver-side rearview mirror a mighty whack with his st, and roared o again. Sugarpuss called JCSO. After examining the mangled mirror, deputies tried, and failed, to get ahold of Huggybear. Possessing ample evidence of Huggybear’s guilt, but unable to contact him by phone, o cers obtained a warrant for his arrest on a criminal mischief charge.
Practicing mindlessness
EVERGREEN – Con ned to a wheelchair, the complainant owns a van equipped with an 8-foot ramp that enables him to enter and exit the vehicle. After grocery shopping on the afternoon of Feb. 22, complainant came outside to discover a vacant Kia parked so close to his van that he couldn’t extend the ramp. Having little choice in the matter, he simply waited until Kia and her brimming shopping cart eventually appeared. “ ey put these stripes here for a reason, lady,” an exasperated complainant observed. e way he told it to deputies a short time
later, Kia instantly started “screaming at me” and then “backed out so fast she nearly hit me.” As a parting shot, Kia threw her Dunkin Donuts co ee cup out the window, narrowly missing the complainant and striking his van, instead. Complainant told deputies he didn’t want to press charges, but he did want them to have a stern word with Kia. Contacted by phone, Kia immediately asked the o cer if he was calling about her “being attacked” in the parking lot. at was news to the deputy, who asked her to describe the nature of the attack against her. “(Complainant) was smoking near me and my children,” Kia pronounced. She admitted throwing her co ee cup at him, but o ered no explanation as to why. In accord with complainant’s wishes, deputies merely advised Kia to “be more mindful when parking in the future.”
Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
Photo by McLeod9
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In March 2020, Christian churches across the Denver area shut their doors during the initial COVID-19 shutdowns. Many hoped the doors would be reopened for Easter in April.
But they weren’t.
Instead, local Christians watched their churches’ Easter celebrations online while their pastors preached and their musicians played for empty churches.
e Very Rev. Richard Lawson of St. John’s Cathedral — the Episcopal cathedral in central Denver — recalled that Easter, saying, “ ere were less than ve people in the entire cathedral, and two of them were priests.”
Meanwhile, some smaller congregations like the United Church of Idaho Springs held its Easter service via video conference, where everyone logged in to worship together.
Five years later, local church leaders expected this Easter would look more normal. But even then, they couched it as “the new normal,” outlining how much their churches have changed in terms of technology, membership, ministry and more in the last ve years.
In March 2025, Colorado Community Media spoke with Christians leading six churches across ve denominations and four counties in the Denver area. While experiences varied, they all said their congregations have changed permanently
since March 2020.
“It has been a really hard journey,” said Rev. Susan Otey of the First United Methodist Church of Golden. “Pastoring during COVID was some of the hardest work I have ever done … I could see that God was working to make something good out of a terrible situation.”
Disciples in the digital age
Across the board, leaders from the six churches said technology was far and away the biggest change.
Before, none of them o ered online options for Sunday services; now, all of them either livestream or allow people to join via video conference.
In general, they said it’s a great help, as church members can now join when they are homebound, sick or traveling. e United Church of Idaho Springs has a member who moved to Minnesota but still joins remotely, and some churches said they also livestream funerals so loved ones can watch from anywhere.
Figuring out how to livestream services in spring 2020 was rough going, as churches had to get creative with the limited resources they had.
For instance, the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton started by taping an iPad to a tripod. Now, the church has a dedicated camera in the sanctuary, and Church Council Chair Neena Hagans monitors the livestream from the choir loft.
Otey said the pandemic pushed her congregation
to invest in the technology necessary to livestream services, which might not have happened until 2030 otherwise.
“COVID taught us that virtual services are essential in this day and age,” she continued. “( e pandemic) pushed us several years into the future.”
Along with Sunday services, technology is now a key aspect in other parts of church life, from online giving to hybrid Bible studies, church leaders said.
Daren Forbes, who’s on the Arvada Stake communications council for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said there is “an abundance of podcasts” that he and his fellow church members use to help them study scripture, church history and similar topics.
In fact, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its own app with all its holy texts, the given year’s curriculum, videos and other resources “to augment study in the home,” he described.
Forbes and other Christians throughout Denver clari ed how these technologies don’t replace inperson services or fellowship opportunities. ey are simply another option.
Lawson believes that, especially after the pandemic, “people are hungry for community,” whether that’s in-person or online.
“Livestreaming has expanded our reach beyond what we ever could’ve imagined,” Lawson said. “It’s too bad it took COVID to teach us that.”
With the morning light illuminating the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton’s stained-glass windows, the Rev. Anna Viehland demonstrates preaching from the altar on March 25. PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
CHURCHES
Parishioners in the pews
In general, the number of Coloradans identifying as Christian has declined, mirroring a national trend, according to Colorado Public Radio; and the Associated Press has reported how Protestant denominations’ national membership has been declining for years.
Regarding their own ocks, leaders from the six churches had mixed experiences.
Otey and Lawson said their congregations in Golden and Denver, respectively, have actually grown over the last ve years, especially if one includes online attendance. eir biggest demographic changes have been with young families and young adults, respectively.
Otey believed it was because people are seeking out a community that shares their values and beliefs, with the idea of raising their children in it, too. She summarized those parents’ experiences as: “I want to teach my kids about loving and serving our neighbors.”
Meanwhile, Forbes said the Arvada Stake’s overall membership hasn’t changed signi cantly, but there have been a few demographic shifts over the last ve years.
As western Arvada has grown, so has church membership in that area. Members from western Arvada tend to be young families, while eastern Arvada is more older people who’ve lived in the area for decades, Forbes described.
Additionally, he said the Arvada Stake has seen signi cant growth among its Spanish-speaking population.
Contrastingly, membership at the United Church of Idaho Springs and the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton have declined slightly.
Vivian Simpson, chair of the church council, said the United Church of Idaho Springs was averaging about 30 people at Sunday services before the pandemic. Now, it’s about 20 people in-person with another ve online.
Fort Lupton church leaders said their congregation averaged 80 to 100 people on Sundays before the pandemic. Now, it’s down to about 60 in the pews, with some joining online.
For the First Baptist Church of Denver, while its attendance and overall membership haven’t changed much, its space utilization has.
Kurt Kaufman, a member of the pastoral team, said the church used to have a high demand for facility rentals and parking-space leases before the pandemic. Now, demand for both has gone down signi cantly, impacting the church’s budget.
“We haven’t had a parking waitlist since 2019,” Kaufman said. “We’ve had to rethink what we do to make money and how to survive as a congregation.”
Pastors in the pulpit
Both the First Baptist Church of Denver and the United Church of Idaho Springs said their previous pastors left within the last ve years, and they’ve struggled to nd replacements.
Kaufman said he and fellow members of the First Baptist Church’s pastoral team are rotating responsibilities, including preaching on Sundays.
Similarly, Simpson said the Idaho Springs church has been looking for a part-time pastor since its former pastor retired in 2021.
Because it’s a combined Methodist and Presbyterian congregation, Simpson said the church has looked through Methodist, Presbyterian and unafliated channels. It’s had some interest, but nothing that worked out long-term, she described.
“Nationwide, there’s a shortage of ordained ministers for Methodist and Presbyterian (churches),” she said.
Simpson added that the Idaho Springs church can only a ord a part-time pastor, which makes the search more di cult.
In a similar vein, the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton has had a dedicated pastor in the Rev. Anna Viehland since 2022, but she splits her time between Fort Lupton and another Methodist church in Erie.
On March 29, St. John’s Cathedral ordained four
people as deacons. ey’re now scheduled to be ordained as priests in October.
Lawson said four ordained ministers in a year is about average for the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Colorado.
However, with the in ux of young adults at the cathedral, Lawson said he’s seen increasing interest in ordination among his congregation. In 2025, St. John’s Cathedral will have ve members attend seminary, including one of the newly ordained, he said.
Charity in the community
In terms of ministry — both for their members and for the wider community — there were some common threads among the six churches.
Along with a greater push for online or hybrid events, church leaders said they’ve seen more demand for small-group events, such as Bible studies, parent groups and in-home ministering.
On top of their continued interfaith partnerships, the two Denver churches said they’ve seen more demand for social justice-focused events and groups.
In addition to its Faith in Action ministry, Lawson said St. John’s Cathedral now has the Re-Imagining Justice group that focuses on racial healing, and the Migrant Interest Group that does pro-immigration work.
Kaufman said the First Baptist Church is now “more attuned to hunger and social justice issues around our community” than it was pre-pandemic.
Part of that is because of its new outdoor community fridge, which has already distributed about 30,000 pounds of food since February 2023.
Additionally, because its parking lot isn’t as full as it once was, Kaufman said the church has been able to host a shower trailer and a safe parking program.
e other four churches said they’ve likewise seen increased demand among their safe parking programs, free weekly meals and similar ministries; and they’ve worked to meet that demand alongside other churches and nonpro ts.
“Some things that started during COVID really de ned who we are as a church,” Otey said. “We increased our services tremendously.”
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, Otey described how her church worked with the larger Golden community to distribute free food to the homebound and unsheltered — even distributing food outside when indoor gatherings were restricted.
And that work has continued to the present day, she said, as the church has expanded from free meals once a week to three times a week.
Forbes encouraged people to visit justserve.org to nd service opportunities near them. ese events are open to anyone, not just Christians, he emphasized, saying it could be anything from painting a
house to working at a local food bank.
“It’s become even more apparent how important those service opportunities are because of COVID and what we’re experiencing in society,” Forbes said. “We have more in common with our neighbors than we think … (and) when we have an opportunity to serve one another, those di erences dissipate.”
‘Best of all, God is with us’
Another common thread among the six churches was how di cult the last ve years have been, in one form or another.
Church leaders discussed loneliness among their members, concern about the declining number of Christians locally and nationally, and burnout among their volunteers and ordained ministers.
Viehland, Fort Lupton’s pastor, described how she’s seen not only laypeople but also clergy struggle with the pandemic’s immediate and long-term fallout.
She believed some clergy members — not necessarily local ones — were already burnt-out, and the pandemic was a deciding factor in them leaving ordained ministry. And Viehland said she didn’t blame them.
“Five years out, we’re just starting to reckon with the spiritual and emotional trauma that came from (the pandemic),” Viehland said.
Kaufman said the First Baptist Church was full of hope and joy when he joined in 2019. Now, he said it’s been “a struggle to nd joy with anything” and that the congregation has shifted to one that’s “less hopeful and more fearful.”
Still, leaders from all six churches o ered messages of hope and faith, especially with Easter approaching.
“It’s been very challenging to nd hope in earthly, worldly things,” Kaufman said. “‘Where is it that I nd hope?’ e only place is in my faith.”
Similarly, Fort Lupton church leaders summarized the experience of faith by quoting Methodist Church founder John Wesley: “Best of all, God is with us.”
Kaufman, Forbes and Simpson invited fellow Christians to celebrate Easter by deepening their relationships with God and with one another.
ey also encouraged those “who are searching for something” to visit a local church and ground themselves in a loving God and a welcoming community.
Otey also emphasized how God’s love is unconditional and how the Holy Spirit is at work in everyone’s lives, community and shared world, even if they don’t know it.
Re ecting on the changes of the last ve years, and all the changes that are to come, Lawson said: “God is as real as God has ever been.”
Morning light shines through a stained-glass window of a cross and crown March 25 at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton. Church leaders and others across the Denver area said their churches have changed permanently since March 2020, particularly with regard to technology. PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
HAPPENINGS
port the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. Many volunteer options available. For more information, call Mary at 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering an LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 ofce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.
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CONCERNS
corralling a student. The student has to learn what to do with these big emotions or these impulses.”
Districts must also collect data, identify behavior patterns and assess whether additional support or a change in placement is needed.
Almazan said schools sometimes claim their hands are tied, but that’s not entirely accurate.
“They’re not tied. That’s a myth,” she said. “They could go to a hearing officer and get the equivalent of anHonig injunctionand get the student removed.”
This process requires proof that a student poses a danger to others,
BERGEN PARK CHURCH
have many sustainable products available). e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore, 1232 Bergen Parkway.
Support After Suicide Loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
typically under theserious bodily injurystandard. Though the bar is high, Almazan said, it remains a legal option if other interventions fail.
Yet, families of other students in the classroom have fewer direct legal protections
“There are no direct rights under IDEA for the other students,” Almazan said. “But the school district is still responsible for what’s happening in that classroom. This is a school issue. This is not about this student. The responsibility is on the adults to create a safe and supportive learning environment.”
What parents can do
While families of students in general education settings may have limited legal recourse, there are steps they can take to advocate for their children and press for change.
Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An inperson support group meets every third Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/services/emotional-support/.
Grieving the Death of a Spouse/Partner Support Group: 3 to 4 p.m. every second ursday. is group explores issues unique to those who have lost a life partner. O ered in-person and virtually. Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice, 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/ services/emotional-support/.
Parkinson’s disease support group: A
1. Focus on your child’s experience Almazan said parents are most likely to get answers by requesting records related to their child, such as evacuation logs, missed instructional time or support services offered.
2. Ask for support services
If a child is anxious, afraid or struggling emotionally due to classroom disruptions, parents can request a meeting with school staff. Almazan said schools must respond when a student’s learning or well-being is impacted.
3. Follow the chain of command Begin with the child’s teacher, then the school principal. If the issue isn’t resolved, escalate through the district’s reporting structure. In Jefferson County, that includes the community superintendent, chief of schools and, if needed, the superintendent’s office.
Parkinson’s disease support group meets the rst Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email esears@parkinsonrockies.org.
Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Information at 346-248-7799.
Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet the second Tuesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is a group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ+ child. For group location and to RSVP, email heather@resilience1220.org.
4. Document everything
In this case, parents compiled a detailed timeline of incidents, communications and actions taken — or not taken — by school and district leaders. Almazan said this documentation can support requests for services or complaints.
5. Learn the system — or get help navigating it
Even if a child isn’t on an IEP, families can work with special education advocates or attorneys to understand district obligations and legal options.
6. Keep the focus on accountability, not blame
In emotionally charged situations, it can be tempting to assign blame. But, advocates say focusing on systemic accountability is more effective. Blame isolates individual students; accountability pushes districts to act.
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other. On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service. Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES
28244 Harebell Lane
Sunday Service & Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Wednesday evening: 7p.m: (Zoom only Nov.1st-Mar. 31st.)
Visit: www.christianscienceevergreen.com for more information and ZOOM link
Reading Room: 4602 Plettner Lane 303-674-5296
OPEN: TUES-SAT 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA)
Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.
Reverend Richard Aylor
O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL
In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569
In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. --June through September— 27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org
CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)
Reconstructionist Synagogue
Rabbi Jamie Arnold www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294 2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)
DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Reverend Dr. Knut Heim, pastor, Sunday Worship 10 AM
Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759 deerparkumc.org
All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!
EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654
Rev. Terry Schjang
Join us for worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC
1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287 www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday “Real Church In An UnReal World”
A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!
PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH
Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey.
O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am
Small group studies for all ages at 9am
Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick
Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh
Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.
ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
“Connecting all generations to Jesus”
Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668
SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor John Graham Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org 3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”
CAREERS
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MARKETPLACE
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Legals
City and
Metropolitan Districts
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Idledale Water and Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Name Term
Hugh Gardner Second Regular Election, May 2029
Peter Weber Second Regular Election, May 2029
Natalia Rodnova Second Regular Election, May 2029
Thomas P. Gray, III Next Regular Election, May 2027
/s/ AJ Beckman (Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman
720-213-6621
Please note that citizens who would like to comment during the liquor hearing must be in person or access the hearing through the WebEx computer platform and use the chat feature to let the host know you would like to make a public comment.
The name(s) and address(es)
Canyon Courier LEGAL NOTICE
According to the Liquor Laws of Colorado, Dinner Downriver LLC dba Dandelions Café has requested the licensing officials of Jefferson County to grant a Beer and Wine License at 1552 Bergen Pkwy #305 Evergreen, CO 80439.
Date of application: February 26,2025. Public hearing on the application will be held by the Liquor Licensing Authority Board on May 1, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 A.M. Hybrid at 100 Jefferson County Parkway Hearing Room one and through a WebEx virtual meeting platform, the event information for attendees: Citizens may receive a call back by providing a phone number when joining the event online; or calling into the public hearing by dialing 1-408-418-9388 and entering meeting Access Code 249 382 08140 Event address for Attendees is: https://jeffco.webex.com/jeffco/j. php?MTID=m575320f841717e3c0d7f0797685a1abf
Event Password: SRsMV8bE7Z5 (77768823 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Additional details for accessing the public hearing will be posted at the following, https:// www.jeffco.us/events. Please note that citizens who would like to comment during the liquor hearing must be in person or access the hearing through the WebEx computer platform and use the chat feature to let the host know you would like to make a public comment.
The name(s) and address(es) of the Officers:
NAME ADDRESS
Nicholas Brunel 790
Kendrick St Golden, CO 80401
By Order of Liquor Licensing Authority of the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado
Legal Notice No.
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228
aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. CAN 1927
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Green
Gables Metropolitan District No. 2, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled pursuant to Section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected:
Garrett Baum: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029)
William R. Branyan: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029)
DATED: March 4, 2025
/s/ Jennifer Pino Deputy Designated Election Official for the Green Gables Metropolitan District No. 2
c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C. 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400 Denver, Colorado 80203-1254
Phone: 303-592-4380
Legal Notice No. Can 1925
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Dinosaur Ridge Metropolitan District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled pursuant to Section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected:
Laura Newman: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029) Colin Riley: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029)
Vacant: until the next regular election (May 4, 2027)
Vacant: until the next regular election (May 4, 2027)
DATED: March 4, 2025
/s/ Jennifer Pino
Deputy Designated Election Official for the Dinosaur Ridge Metropolitan District c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams
P.C.
450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400 Denver, Colorado 80203-1254
Phone: 303-592-4380
Legal Notice No. CAN 1924 First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELATION OF ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the KenCaryl Ranch Metropolitan District ("District") Jefferson, County Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513 (1), C.R.S.
Jeff Nesheim: 4- year term, May 2029
David Boone: 4-year term, May 2029
/s/ Sue Blair Designated Election Official
Contact Person for the District: Sue Blair, Designated Election Official Community Resource Services
7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.381.4960 (voice) 303. 381.4961 (fax) sblair@crsofcolorado.com
Legal Notice No. CAN 1920 First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Eagle View Metropolitan District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Name Term
Ernest Ojeda: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Steve Olson: Second Regular Election, May 2029
VACANT: Second Regular Election, May 2029
/s/ David Solin (Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: David Solin
303-987-0835
141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80228
303-987-2032
dsolin@sdmsi.com
Legal Notice No. CAN 1914 First Publication: April 10, 2025 Last Publication: April 10, 2025 Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF POLLING PLACE ELECTION ELK CREEK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PARK COUNTY AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the ELK CREEK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, of PARK County and JEFFERSON County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a polling place election will be held on the 6th day of May 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. MDT.
The Board of Directors of the District have designated the following polling place on election day:
• Training Room, District Fire Station, 11993 Blackfoot Road, Conifer, CO 80433.
At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for:
Two (2) Directors who will each serve a four (4) year term.
The names of persons nominated as Director for a four (4) year term:
Michael Bartlett
Todd R. Wagner
Al Leo
Kathleen A. Noonan
Thomas R. Seymour.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an eligible elector of said District, for the purpose of said election, is a person registered to vote and who is a resident of the District, or who, or whose spouse or civil union partner, owns taxable real or personal property within the District, whether said person resides within the District or not, or a person who is obligated to pay taxes under a contract to purchase taxable property within the District shall be considered an owner of taxable property for the purpose of qualifying as an eligible elector.
Eligible electors of the ELK CREEK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT may drop off a voted ballot, beginning April 14, 2025 at the locations listed below.
Sarah Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official (DEO) Physical Address: 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120 – 24-hour outside drop box in back parking lot, Elk Creek Fire Protection District ballot drop off – 24-hour outside drop box located at District Fire Station, 11993 Blackfoot Road, Conifer, CO 80433, Ballot mailing address: PO Box 607, Conifer CO 80443.
The Office of the Designated Election Official, located at 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., #101, Littleton, CO 80120, is open on the following days in case a replacement ballot is needed:
Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. MDT from April 14, 2025 - May 5, 2025, Tuesday May 6, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT. Ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. MDT on Election Day, May 6, 2025.
The office of the Fire District is available upon request in case a replacement ballot is needed:
Please contact the DEO or Deputy DEO via email or telephone to arrange pickup for a replacement ballot.
Sarah Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official (DEO) Telephone: 303-482-1002; Email: info@ccrider.us, or Barbara Stockton, Deputy Designated Election Official (Deputy DEO) Email: info@elkcreekfire.org.
Please note that drop off locations will be available as posted, and if any changes occur to the drop off hours and locations, those changes will be posted on the District’s website: https://elkcreekfpd.colorado.gov/transparency/elections.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for a mail-in ballot as a Permanent Absentee Voter (PAV) shall be filed with the Designated Election Official no later than the close of business on April 29, 2025. The application is available online at: https://elkcreekfpd.colorado.gov/transparency/elections.
ELK CREEK FIRE PROTECTION DIS-
TRICT
By: /s/ Sarah Shepherd,
Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. CAN 1928
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELATION OF ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by Indian Hills Fire Protection, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513 (1), C.R.S.
The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Marc Rosenberg: 4-year term, May 2029
Christopher Vigil: 4-year term, May 2029
Kelley Lehman: 4-year term, May 2029
/s/ Sue Blair
Designated Election Official
Contact Person for the District:
Sue Blair, Designated Election Official Community Resource Services 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.381.4960 (voice) 303. 381.4961 (fax) sblair@crsofcolorado.com
Legal Notice No. CAN 1917 First Publication: April 10, 2025 Last Publication: April 10, 2025 Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTIONS BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by Verve Metropolitan District Nos. 2, 3 and 4, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the elections there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled on each of the districts, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the elections to be held on May 6, 2025, are hereby canceled pursuant to Section 1-13.5513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected to the board of directors of each district:
Garrett Baum: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029) William R. Branyan: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029) Bonner Gilmore: until the second regular election (May 8, 2029)
DATED: March 4, 2025
/s/ Jennifer Pino Designated Election Official for the Verve Metropolitan District Nos. 2, 3 and 4 c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C. 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400 Denver, Colorado 80203-1254 Phone: 303-592-4380
Legal Notice No. CAN 1926 First Publication: April 10, 2025 Last Publication: April 10, 2025 Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF REGULAR SPECIAL DISTRICT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FOR THE FOOTHILLS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT C.R.S. 1-13.5-1105(2)(d), C.R.S. 1-13.5-502
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Foothills Fire Protection District of Jefferson County, State of Colorado:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a regular election for the Foothills Fire Protection District shall be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The election is being conducted as a Mail Ballot Election. Mail Ballots are required to be mailed to eligible electors between 22 and 15 days prior to the election (between April 14, 2025 and April 21, 2025).
At said election, the electors of the District shall vote to elect two (2) Directors, each to serve for a term of four (4) years, on the Board of Directors of the Foothills Fire Protection District.
The names of persons nominated as Director for a Four (4) Year Term: Robert Johnson Stephanie Troyer Charles Richard “Dick” Shaw III Joshua Minix
The mailing address for the return of mail ballots, the drop-off location address and the hours during which the office will be open is as follows:
FOR MAIL BALLOTS: Foothills Fire Protection District
John T. Sullivan, Designated Election Official c/o Sullivan Green Seavy Jarvis LLC 1790 38th Street, Suite 207 Boulder, Colorado 80301
FOR DROP-OFF BALLOTS: Foothills Fire Protection District Office 28812 Rainbow Road Evergreen, Colorado 80439
The office is open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., beginning at least 22 days prior to Election Day (April 14, 2025), and from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
RECYCLE This Paper
Prospective Bidders are urged to sign up to receive a text message or email when new Bidding Documents are periodically uploaded to the designated website such as addenda, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project by clicking “Sign up” at the top of the webpage.
All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website and the Prospective Bidder Submittal Folder. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website or Prospective Bidder Submittal Folder.
Instructions to Bidders
For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
Legal Notice No. CAN 1923
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
Request for Proposal Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Program for Clear Creek County 405 Argentine Street Georgetown, CO 80444
PURPOSE
The Clear Creek Board of County Commissioners is seeking a vehicle and heavy equipment leasing provider to supply the County with a full range of vehicles and machinery—from administrative cars to heavy equipment for the Road & Bridge Division. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to collect relevant information, credentials, qualifications, experience, and a proposed project approach from interested fleet leasing and management firms, to guide the Board in selecting a leasing provider.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The County seeks proposals from qualified vehicle leasing firms capable of providing a full spectrum of vehicles to address our diverse operational needs, while also facilitating the disposal or trade-in of older surplus County vehicles and returning revenues from those transactions to the County. The selected firm will supply dependable, well-maintained vehicles across multiple categories, including administrative and law enforcement patrol vehicles as well as heavy equipment for road and bridge maintenance, such as front-end loaders, road graders, and dump trucks. All vehicles must have four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and higher-than-normal clearance to navigate steep, rocky, unpaved roads. Because snow and icy conditions can persist for up to nine months each year, it is essential that vehicles perform reliably in extreme weather and maintain operational functionality over extended use.
Proposals must include a detailed description of available vehicle types, specifications, and leasing terms, along with information on maintenance and support services, delivery timelines, and strategies to meet the County’s unique requirements. A clear plan for managing the disposal or trade-in of surplus vehicles should also be provided, ensuring transparency in how revenues are returned to the County. Firms with experience serving similarly challenging regions are strongly encouraged to apply. Through this solicitation, the County aims to enhance operational capabilities, safeguard public safety, maintain infrastructure effectively, and optimize the value of its existing assets across a rugged, snowy terrain. The goal is to establish a partnership with a leasing firm that delivers flexible, cost-effective solutions tailored to the County’s operational and environmental demands.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The County is soliciting proposals from qualified vehicle leasing firms to provide a diverse range of vehicles and services to meet its operational needs. The selected firm will adhere to the requirements outlined below to ensure transparency, reliability, and a successful partnership. The scope includes administrative vehicles, law enforcement patrol vehicles, heavy equipment for road and bridge maintenance, and the disposal or tradein of older surplus county vehicles.
Vehicle Categories and Specifications
1.Administrative Vehicles: Must be dependable, fuel-efficient, and equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). Features should include basic safety equipment, heating, air conditioning, and comfortable seating for staff.
2.Law Enforcement Vehicles:
•Must be four-wheel drive (4WD) or AWD, and if available, with emergency lighting, sirens, and law enforcement-specific modifications. High clearance for off-road use, durable tires, and reinforced frames are required for additional safety.
3. Heavy Equipment for Road and Bridge
Maintenance:
• Heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, road graders, and dump trucks, must be designed to handle rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions.
• Equipment must include snow removal attachments (as needed) or optional capabilities suited for extended snow use.
Leasing terms should include operational hour limits, wear and tear allowances, and provisions for equipment-specific training.
4. Disposal or Trade-In of Older Surplus County Vehicles:
•Firms will facilitate the disposal or trade-in of older surplus county vehicles listed on the County's asset list in accordance with Colorado law.
• All revenues generated from these transactions must be returned to the County. Proposals should include a detailed plan for assessing, valuing, and managing the tradeins to ensure transparency and maximize returns for the County.
• In cases where the vehicle has no or limited value, a fee structure must be in place for the proper disposal or sale of low-value vehicles.
Conditions of the County
•Warranty Protection:
• Comprehensive new vehicle warranties must cover mechanical breakdowns, failure of critical components, and manufacturer defects for all leased vehicles and equipment.
Warranty terms should specify timelines and exclusions, with available plans to cover extended usage or repairs.
•Mileage and Operating Limits:
Administrative and law enforcement vehicles must include annual mileage limits, with proposals outlining fees for exceeding those limits.
• Heavy equipment must specify operational hour limits and wear thresholds, with terms for cost adjustments to address excess use.
•Vehicle Conditions: Vehicles and equipment must be delivered in new or like-new condition, unless otherwise agreed. Proposals should specify the age, mileage, and maintenance records of all proposed vehicles.
•Lead Time and Delivery:
•Firms must provide delivery timelines for each vehicle and equipment type, with penalties outlined for missed deadlines.
Cost Structure Firms must provide a transparent cost breakdown per vehicle type, which includes:
•Annual lease rates.
•Interest fees and any applicable financing charges.
•Annual service or maintenance fees. Additional charges for exceeding mileage or operational limits.
• Costs or credits related to the trade-in or disposal of older surplus vehicles.
Proposals with hidden fees or vague pricing will be disqualified.
Maintenance and Service
•The leasing firm will provide guidance on how routine maintenance must be handled for lease compliance.
Specific service schedules, repair response times, and covered costs must be explicitly detailed in the proposal.
Change Orders, Vehicle Returns, and Trade-In Compliance
Proposals must outline a clear process for change orders, including timelines for substituting vehicles or adding equipment.
• Vehicle returns at the end of the lease term must comply with wear and tear standards and be free of excessive deterioration. Additional fees for damages or non-compliance must be clearly outlined.
• For the trade-in of surplus county vehicles, firms must ensure a transparent valuation and return of revenue to the County, with full documentation provided.
Legal Protections
• Performance bonds or alternative guarantees may be required to ensure the firm meets obligations.
Proposal Instructions
To be considered, firms must submit:
• Detailed descriptions of all vehicles and equipment available, along with specifications and photographs.
•Full disclosure of warranty terms, mainte-
nance responsibilities, and service commitments. A transparent cost proposal, including trade-in credit terms for older vehicles.
• References from municipalities or counties with similar leasing agreements, particularly those with comparable environmental and operational needs.
By submitting a proposal, bidders agree to comply with the County’s requirements, ensuring all vehicles and services meet the highest standards for quality, reliability, and fiscal transparency.
SCHEDULE
The tentative Request-for-Proposal schedule is as follows:
SCHEDULED ITEM DATE
Public Release of Request-for-Proposal April 01, 2025
Deadline for Submittals (4:00 p.m.) April 28, 2025
Estimated Notice of Intent Award May 1, 2025
Estimated Starting Date: ASAP
Any revisions to the above schedule will be posted on the Clear Creek County website “Bid Postings” link. It is the responsibility of all submitting firms to review this website for scheduling updates as well as Request-for-Proposal modifications and addendums.
SUBMITTAL APPENDIX:
Provide any other information – unique capabilities, value-added services, etc. – relevant to the County’s evaluation of your Firm.
Clear Creek County will not be responsible f or any cost associated with the preparation of the Firms’ responses to this Request-for-Proposal.
SUBMISSION OF RESPONSE:
Responses shall be submitted in an email attachment package, clearly identified in the subject line as follows:
RFP Vehicle Leasing Services to Clear Creek County
Firms may not contact any team members, staff or employees of Clear Creek County or other parties involved in this project. All communications regarding this project should be directed to: Colton Rohloff, Clear Creek County Deputy County Manager.
Please deliver your responses to: •Colton Rohloff •crohloff@clearcreekcounty.us
•303-679-2312
The deadline for submitting a proposal is 4:00 p.m. MST, Monday, April 28, 2025
Responses will be time-stamped and logged upon receipt. Responses received after the deadline will NOT be considered. All timely and properly prepared Responses will be considered for evaluation.
RESERVATIONS:
The
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